Rachel Harper

Rachel Harper, beloved mother, and grandmother passed away September 30, 2023. Her final moments were spent peacefully surrounded by her sons. Rachel was born on December 18, 1937, to Rupert and Dana Henry in Terrell, Texas. She was raised in Terrell and graduated from Terrell High School in 1956. Rachel married Chester Dowell Harper on June 16, 1956, in the First Christian Church of Terrell and to this marriage two sons were born, James (Jim) in 1958 and Joel in 1967. Rachel enjoyed her profession as a legal secretary and worked many years for Mr. Robert Ramsey at his law firm. After Mr. Ramsey’s retirement, Rachel worked for Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home and Goggan’s Funeral Home. Her reputation for attention to detail and the ability to get things done made her a valued employee and her penmanship was legendary. Rachel remained a devoted member of the First Christian Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, Church Secretary, member of the Church Board, choir member, and C.Y.F. sponsor and was very active in the CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship). She loved Church socials and was a tireless supporter of Boy Scout Troop 390. Known for her love of her family, church family and all things Texas A&M, Rachel will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dowell and brother Rupert A. Henry. She is survived by sons, Jim Harper and wife Kathy, Joel Harper and wife Sharon; grandchildren: Ashley Fontenot (Gregg), Heath Harper (Cassie), Sarah Denney (Caleb), Samantha Reyes (Reed), Jamey Harper, Allyson Goldsmith (Carlton), Case Harper (Kaitlin), Jenna Martinez (David); great-grandchildren: Henley Harper, Hannah Perry, Gus Harper, Harper Freeman, Kyleigh Denney and Brenden Goldsmith as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:00pm to service time. Interment will follow at Oakland Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CWF, c/o First Christian Church, 405 N. Adelaide, Terrell, TX, 75160 or to Hospice of East Texas at https://hospiceofeasttexas.org/giving/ .

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Rachel Harper

December 18, 1937 - September 30, 2023